Boston25 News Raises Awareness of Sleep Apnea with Kristen Cascio

Project Sleep is proud to share that Rising Voices sleep apnea speaker Kristen Cascio and sleep medicine specialist Dr. Alison Kole were featured in a Boston25 News “Wellness Wednesday” segment that highlighted the widespread underdiagnosis of sleep apnea and the importance of recognizing symptoms early.

The story underscores a reality that Kristen knows well. Millions of people live with untreated sleep apnea for years without realizing it.

Sleep Apnea: An Underdiagnosed Condition

In the segment, Boston resident Kristen Cascio reflects on her long journey to diagnosis. As a teenager, she struggled with overwhelming fatigue, daily headaches, and difficulty staying awake in class. “It is terrifying to look back on the time that I spent undiagnosed,” she shared. “It has serious impacts not only on your day-to-day wellbeing, but your long-term health.”

Like many people with sleep apnea, an estimated more than 20% of adults in the US, Kristen did not know that her symptoms were signs of a serious sleep disorder. Obstructive sleep apnea causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, which leads to fragmented rest and significant health risks over time. Common symptoms include loud snoring, waking up choking or gasping, morning headaches, nighttime awakenings, and persistent daytime sleepiness.

Sleep medicine specialist Dr. Alison Kole explained that Kristen’s experience is “disturbingly typical.” Patients are often misdiagnosed or dismissed for years. Untreated sleep apnea can affect nearly every aspect of life, from concentration and mood to long term cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Raising Sleep Apnea Awareness

Today, Kristen uses her voice to help others recognize the signs she missed. As a Project Sleep Rising Voices trained speaker, she shares her story to empower people, especially women who are diagnosed at significantly lower rates, to trust their instincts and advocate for themselves.

Be persistent. You know yourself the best. You are the expert of your own body and your own experience.”

– Kristen Cascio

The Boston25 News story also highlighted sleep apnea treatment options beyond CPAP, including oral appliances, surgical approaches, and weight loss medications for individuals with obesity. Dr. Kole emphasized the importance of partners watching for symptoms. Kristen also encouraged viewers not to be afraid to seek a second opinion or get support, noting Project Sleep as a great resource. 

Kristen’s message is clear. You do not have to suffer in silence. Sleep apnea is common, serious, and highly treatable. Getting evaluated can be life changing. Contact Project Sleep’s Sleep Helpline for more information and to get personalized resources and support!

Thank you!

A big thank you to Kristen, Dr. Kole, and Boston25 News for raising awareness of this serious and underdiagnosed condition. Project Sleep’s Rising Voices program empowers people with sleep disorders to share their stories and raise awareness in their communities. Hear Kristen’s full story or request a Rising Voices speaker today.

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